Blowing The Whistle

pros and cons of whistle blowing

Firstly, there are implications of trust. In the workplace there is usually an attitude of “us” vs. “them.” When you speak out — whether you are justified in doing so or not — you can not avoid shattering a bit of that camaraderie. Your peers will wonder whether you can be trusted — whether you will pass the office gossip back up to their bosses.

Secondly, you will make an enemy if your role in implicating the wrongdoer were to be revealed; therefore, make sure the crime is worth punishing and worth the trouble it will put you through, especially if the guilty party is more senior than you.

On the bright side, speaking out may win you the trust and favor of your boss. But don’t do it solely for this reason — it isn’t worth it.

how to talk

If you have decided to blow the whistle there are a few important things to consider:

1- Gather evidence first

Without evidence, it is your word against theirs. Make sure you can back up your accusations or you could find yourself on the defensive.

2- Keep things discreet

Some whistle blowers are not smart enough to keep their mouths shut about their part in revealing an infraction. The possible result is that the working relationship between said whistle blowers and their peers is significantly impaired to the point that the team might be disbanded.

If you are going to rat out your colleague, do it in private and with a promise that your role will not be revealed.

3- Do not wait to talk

If you linger, there will be questions of why you did not bring things up sooner. Wait for the right situation (for example, not in front of everyone) to bring things up to your boss, but do it ASAP.

4- Back off once you have had your say

Do not stick around for the kill; say what you know and stay out of things. Let others deal with the consequences and the sentencing.

If you try to pronounce judgement it will raise suspicions about your intent — are you using this as an opportunity to further your position? Neither your boss nor your colleagues will respect you for that.

making the right move

Blowing the whistle is often a test of one’s morals and values. Nobody likes doing it, but sometimes you are put in a situation where you have no choice but to choose the righteous path.

Use your best judgement to make the decision that is right for you. Nobody said life was easy — and this definitely is not one of the more pleasant parts.